The 499 dwt tanker Seiyoh capsized and sank in the Sea of Japan. The tanker left Oita, Japan bound for Niigata with a cargo of vinyl acetate monomer. The vessel developed a list as it was pounded by high winds and 12-16 foot waves. The vessel’s engine room flooded and the crew abandoned ship. Reports state that 4 of the 5 crewmen onboard were rescued, but one perished later from cardiopulmonary arrest. The master of the vessel is reported missing.
The fishing vessel Partner sank in the Tatar Strait (Tatarskiy Strait). The vessel was able to send a distress signal, but did not have an EPIRB to provide to its location. Reports state the weather was strong winds, temperature below zero and waves between 12 -16 feet. Two cargo vessels and a plane searched the area, but found no survivors. Reports state 3 bodies have been recovered on Sakhalin Island with one in a survival suit on an inflatable life raft. The trawler may have had 11 to 14 men onboard when it went down.
The vessel Jeljelet Ae sank off the Likiep Atoll, Marshall Islands with 20 crew and passengers onboard. A few hours after the Jeljelet Ae left Majuro, it radioed that it was in trouble. The crew and passengers abandoned to a life raft which was spotted by a plane. A sport fishing vessel chartered by the Jeljelet Ae owner reached the life raft and rescue all 20 onboard. Reports state the vessel encountered heavy seas and the Jeljelet Ae was in poor condition. The owner stated the vessels were in need of refit and overhaul in drydock. The supply vessel was loaded with heavy equipment and building materials for a new school on Likiep Atoll.
